Electronic HIV, TB records imminent, says Health Minister
Health Minister Joe Phaahla has told the National Assembly that the department is set to introduce the first module of its electronic health records on HIV and Tuberculosis.
Phaahla spoke in the legislature on Tuesday during the tabling of the department’s budget for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The minister said the introduction of the electronic system is one of the lessons learnt during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Building on the learnings from the development and rollout of the electronic vaccination data system we will introduce the first module of the electronic health records focusing on HIV and TB. Our team is working with all provinces to ensure that ICT support is given, including connectivity to the remaining clinics that are not yet connected.
“Emergency medical services is an important component of primary health and therefore we are accessing all provinces for compliance with medical emergency service regulations. One of the issues which we have to sort out with the colleagues in Treasury is the transversal contract for acquisition and maintenance of vehicles which also affects our ambulances."
Phaahla also addressed the issue of the recent outbreak of cholera, saying there have not been any cases reported in the past two months.
"On malaria, we are on course, and we are working with our neighbours to make sure that we can reach our malaria elimination. A few months ago there was a cholera outbreak, I am happy to announce that this has also been contained and we have not had any new cases in the last month or two. The measles outbreak, we have rolled out an immunisation program throughout the country and the measles outbreak is fairly under control.
“R10 million per year over the next two years will go to the no-fault compensation scheme to cover adverse events after Covid-19 vaccination,” said Phaahla.
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